Scottish oil and gas industry delegation visits Ghana

With a goal of gaining an understanding of the workings of the West African oil and gas market and networking with possible partners and investors, Scottish oil and gas industry professionals traveled to Nigeria Jan. 25 to Jan. 28.

The visit was organized by Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish government's international economic development division. SDI's African office opened in Accra, Ghana, in June 2014.

“I am delighted to be bringing such a large trade delegation from Scotland and participating in the 20th edition of Offshore West Africa," Gary Soper, regional manager for Africa for Scottish Development International, who led the visit, said. "Our presence is aimed at promoting the strengths of the Scottish industry and developing ties with Nigerian businesses. Sub sectors represented include education and training; subsea engineering; winches; electrical product distribution; well construction and engineering services; and remote communications systems to name but a few."

A handful of Scottish oil and gas companies already have a presence in Nigeria, but with technology and skills advancing, Soper said, there is room for more.